Press Releases: 03/15/10 Republican Caucus applauds County Executive's efforts, plans for $44 million surplus 12/01/09 Legislative Republican Caucus Opposes Passage of Budget Amendments in 2010 Budget 10/02/09 ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE'S MINORITY CAUCUS COMMENTS ON 2010 PROPOSED BUDGET 09/10/09 Legislative Republican Caucus Votes to Sustain County Executive's Veto of Local Law 09/08/09 Erie County Legislature Demands Equal Funding for Road and Bridge Projects From State

John J. Mills - District 13 February 4, 2009 ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE MINORITY CAUCUS ANNOUNCES "FAIR DEAL FOR ERIE COUNTY TAXPAYERS" (Erie County)- The Erie County Legislature Republican Minority Caucus today released their 2009 Agenda for Change "A FAIR Deal for Erie County Taxpayers." Minority Leader John Mills (13th District) stated "We summarize our plan in one simple phrase "A FAIR Deal for Erie County taxpayers." F stands for fixing our roads, bridges and infrastructure. A stands for accountability in government. I stands for improved efficiency of government. R stands for reducing taxes." Mills commented on the state of Erie County's infrastructure. Mills stated that he plans to aggressively seek funding repair and maintain county owned roads, bridges and buildings. He noted that the possibility of federal recovery plans could be very helpful in this regard. He cautioned that we cannot allow hope for assistance to further delay progress on capital projects, noting that the legislature has identified a number of important projects in the 2007 and 2008 capital projects plan, for which borrowing has not yet occurred. "The health of our infrastructure is at a critical level. We cannot put the safety of Erie County taxpayers at risk due to New York State legislation which allows our roads and bridges to crumble," stated Mills. Mills also noted that millions of dollars in federal and state assistance are at jeopardy of being lost if these projects do not begin soon. If that occurs, Mills is concerned that some important projects may never be completed and future funding for other important projects may not occur. Mills concluded that an improved infrastructure, combined with our natural assets and skilled workforce, will attract much needed businesses and jobs to the area. Legislator Edward A. Rath III (15th District) discussed the need for accountability in county government. He discussed his plan to improve transparency in government through evening meetings, off-site meetings and improved utilization of Erie County's website. This will allow Erie County taxpayers to be more knowledgeable about the actions of their government leaders and hold their elected leaders accountable. Rath also called for more civility in county government, emphasizing collaboration instead of litigation. He noted that this will require bi-partisan participation. "The voices of all Erie County residents must not only be heard, but also considered. We understand that not all of our proposals will be accepted, but they are an important step in moving this county forward during these difficult economic times." Rath stressed that the Minority Caucus will continue to exemplify the "Citizen Legislator" instead of the "Career Politician." Legislator Raymond Walter (4th District) discussed the need to improve the efficiency of county government. "Government should not be an economic engine. It should support the efforts of hardworking residents and business owners by providing a solid infrastructure, a skilled and healthy workforce and a high quality standard of living for those individuals who drive the local economic engine," stated Walter. He suggested that improved efficiency should start with the legislature itself. He outlined plans to reduce size of legislature from 15 members to 9 members, decrease the salaries of legislators to $27,000, and eliminate legislator district offices. Walter then discussed plans to eliminate county funded jobs through attrition, expand Six Sigma initiatives, which have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, and eliminate duplicative functions in government. He stated that there is an initial cost to implement efficiencies which will lead to long-term savings. He noted that many of these initial costs could be offset by taking better advantage of efficiency and other available grants designed to promote efficiency in government. The Minority Caucus believes that implementation of these measures will lead to savings for taxpayers in the form of lower taxes. However, the caucus noted that there are other ways which they will pursue to further reduce taxes. One such measure is to work with the New York State delegation to reduce unfunded mandates, such as Medicaid. Legislator Mills noted that over 85% of Erie County's budget is the result of state and federal unfunded mandates. "Erie County has no choice but to tax the residents of Erie County to pay for these services," commented Mills. Legislator Rath stated that he will actively seek to create alternatives to mandates. "The unfunded mandates coming from the state and federal governments are required, regardless of whether they are appropriate or effective for Erie County residents. We will seek to work with officials to create programs that are more affordable and at the same time better meet the needs of Erie County residents." Legislator Walter commented "Reduced taxes will lead to more businesses and jobs coming to the area, which will expand the tax base. When more people share the burden, we all pay less taxes." Back to District 13 Homepage